The Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal (MCEM) may only be awarded when Navy and Marine Corps units were the sole participants in the designated operation. In cases where an operation involved the participation of units from other branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Armed Forces Expeditioanry Medal (AFEM) shall be considered the more appropriate award. See paragraph 10 below for further details regarding the Armed Forces Expeditioanry Medal (AFEM).